Skandar and the unicorn thief by A.F. Steadman

This book had some fantastic reviews from tweens who read it and I understand why. It’s exciting, original, funny and heart-warming. Cross Percy Jackson with Harry Potter add in a touch of Anne McCaffrey’s dragon books and you have a great start to a series kids will love. At least I hope it’s a series because I am really looking forward to book 2.

Skandar is dreaming of being a unicorn rider so when he’s stopped from taking the test, he’s heartbroken. Then a mysterious woman flies him to the Island to smuggle him in with the other candidates. When he bonds with Scoundrel’s Luck, his own unicorn, he understands why. Skandar is a spirit wielder, the forbidden element and if he’s discovered Scoundrel will be killed.

Skandar needs the help of three new friends to keep his ability a secret, but the danger is real. Especially as the Weaver is back, an arch villain and spirit wielder who can break unicorn bonds and control the vicious wild unicorns. And what’s their connection to Skandar?

Steadman has created a solid story line with an excellent balance of adventure and friendship in a setting that is interesting, unique, and delivered with the perfect amount of detail for its audience. This book will appeal to any fantasy reader. The style is both easy to read and compelling and the idea of fighting unicorns and a unicorn cup could bridge the gap for readers who prefer contemporary settings.

What set the book apart for me was what Steadman did with her characters. Michael, the posh boy, Flo, the girl with the powerful unicorn, Bobby the aggressive, competitive girl and Skandar, the brave underdog hero: we’ve seen them all before but not quite like this. Michael copes with his overbearing father by obsessively organising, almost OCD is his need to have a plan. Flo fears the power her unicorn holds and needs to discover her own strength. Skandar has no friends because he must look after a clinically depressed father and Bobby, Bobby has panic attacks. They are all the heroes we have come to expect but they also have real problems like their readers.

This mix of high fantasy with real life issues makes Skandar and the Unicorn Thief a perfect book for study in schools. Both kids and educators will love it. Highly recommended.

Themes: Mental Health, Family, Friendship, Fantasy.

Catch Tilly